Utility wash cloth

ABSTRACT

A reusable handheld cleaning implement comprised of a flat, perforated, semi rigid, pliable, semi resilient backing made of water resistant material. A plurality of single, solid, linear, vertical, soft, pliable, semi resilient, smooth, non-open looped strands are connected to the backing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.15/366,302, filed Dec. 1, 2016. Application Ser. No. 15/366,302 claimsthe benefit of provisional application No. 62/276,921, filed Jan. 10,2016.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

“Not Applicable”

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR ASA TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

“Not Applicable”

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINTINVENTOR

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention pertains to CPC sections A47K7/02 (bathingsponges, brushes, gloves, or similar cleaning or rubbing implements),A47K7/04 (washing or cleaning devices, hand or mechanically operated),A47L25/00 (miscellaneous cleaning devices).

Background Art

The usefulness of the present invention originated from addressingproblems found in prior art handheld cleaning implements intended forshowering and bathing.

A multitude of hand held cleaning implements have been developed for useduring bathing and showering. Natural or synthetic sponges, cotton ormicrofiber washcloths, loofahs and net sponge-poofs have generally beenthe most common options. Each of the mentioned prior art implements havea number of deficiencies accompanying their use. Sponges have a formconsisting of various openings or pores which attract dirt, soil, skin,and hairs. A sponge's form makes it difficult to rinse the sponge ofdirt, soil, skin and hairs after use which decreases or eliminates itsreusability. Washcloths have a form that is prone to crumple and bunchup while in use; which reduces its effective surface area, ability tolather and overall ease of handling. A washcloth's form makes itdifficult to rinse the washcloth of dirt, soil, skin and hairs afteruse. Loofahs have a form consisting of various openings or pores whichattract dirt, soil, skin, and hairs Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,565B2(Harrison). A loofah's form makes it difficult to rinse the loofah ofdirt, soil, skin and hairs after use which decreases or eliminates itsreusability. Net sponge-poofs; also referred to as a loofah/luffa, havea form consisting of folded netting which attracts dirt, soil, skin andhairs Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,586A (Villa). A net sponge-poof'sform makes it difficult to rinse the net sponge-poof of dirt, soil, skinand hairs after use which decreases or eliminates it reusability Priorart U.S. Pat. No. 7,589,053B2 (Larsen).

There are a variety of cleaning implements which are described as havingboth a surface that is soft and a more abrasive surface to exfoliate.These hybrid implements have forms characterized by deficiencies similarto those present in the already mentioned prior art cleaning implements.For example, Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,830A (Girardot) is a dualtextured implement that contains two main elements; a coarse diamondmesh scrim surface and a softer knitted material surface, which whencombined form an implement that resembles a netted pouch; resulting inan implement that is more likely to trap soil, dirt, skin and hairs;which is difficult to rinse and reuse.

Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,864A (Tuthill) is a gathered hydrophobicdiamond mesh scrim with circumferential pleats. The disclosure statesthe invention can be quickly rinsed and dried. It is not clear what theinvention can be quickly rinsed of. Based on the invention's form; whichresembles a flat batt of netting, it would be difficult to rinse andreuse the described implement. The flat diamond mesh scrim may be easierrinsed of liquids; such as soap, but a gathered diamond mesh scrim withcircumferential pleats has a form made up of openings and slots that aredifficult to rinse of soil, dirt and hairs.

There are known other prior art cleaning implements. Prior art StayClean Scrub Sponge; sold by Scotch-Brite™, is a dual surfaced device. Itcontains a coarse surface and a sponge surface; and is advertised as ascrub sponge with a surface that will not trap food. The Scrub Sponge'scoarse surface does not allow for a comfortable or gentle use duringshowering and bathing. The sponge surface is porous; whose openingsincrease in size after each use as the sponge wears down. The spongesurface also does not have desirable drying characteristics. Prior artScotch-Brite Scrubbing Dish Cloth; also sold by Scotch-Brite™, isadvertised as a cloth that rinses clean. It is not clear what the clothcan be rinsed clean of. Based on its slack form, the device wouldexperience deficiencies similar to those demonstrated by any ordinarywashcloth. Distinguishing attributes and advantages of the presentinvention in relation to implements such as the Scotch-Brite ScrubSponge and Scotch-Brite Scrubbing Dish Cloth will be illustrated andexplained in the detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A reusable handheld cleaning implement comprised of a mostly flat,perforated, semirigid, pliable, semiresilient backing made of waterresistant material. A plurality of single, solid, linear, vertical,soft, pliable, semiresilient, smooth, non-open looped strands areconnected to the backing.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a reusable handheldcleaning device demonstrating desirable rinsing characteristics inregards to foreign matter. The spirt of the present invention has autility that considers multiple uses that may benefit from a comfortablereusable handheld cleaning device with advantageous rinsing attributes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a backing according to theinvention.

FIG. 3. is a perspective view of a strand according to the invention.

FIG. 4. Is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5. Is a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6. Is a perspective top view of an alternate embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7. Is a perspective view of some strands not according to theinvention.

FIG. 8. Is a perspective view of some strands not according to theinvention.

FIG. 9. Is a perspective view of some strands according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in order to better understand the presentinvention, its objectives, elements, usefulness and advantages.

FIG. 1, there is shown the preferred embodiment of the present inventionwhich provides a reusable handheld cleaning implement and is generallyindicated as implement 100. Implement 100 is comprised of backing 104,strand 102, a top surface 108, a bottom surface 110, a perimeter 106 anda tether 112.

FIG. 2, there is shown backing 104 of implement 100. Backing 104 is asingle nonabrasive piece. More specifically, backing 104 and the backingof alternate embodiments of the present invention exclude a backing madeof multiple layers that may create slots, pouches, gloves, mitts oraccordion like structures that are contrary to the spirit of theinvention; resulting in an implement that is difficult to rinse andreuse Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,830A (Girardot) & Prior art U.S.Pat. No. 5,491,864A (Tuthill). The backing may be comprised of multiplelayers assembled to form a single backing. Backing 104 is mostly flatand constructed to be semirigid, pliable and semiresilient. Thedescribed requirements of backing 104 are an essential and fundamentalpart of the present invention; necessary to solve problems related withprior art washcloths and other slack handheld implements lacking aspecific backing member; that are intended for a bathing and showeringapplication. Implement 100 is adequately rigid and resilient; to resistbunching and crumpling as it is casually moved along the appliedsurface, while also being pliable in order to allow implement 100 to becontoured to the applied surface. The measure or degree of semirigidityand semiresilience are at levels that allow for any ordinary person tobend, flex and operate implement 100 with one hand. The semirigid flatsurface of backing 104 minimizes or eliminates folds and pleats;enabling an intended user to hold implement 100 in one hand or placeimplement 100 on a relatively flat surface and rinse the device of dirt,soil, skin and hairs with water sprayed from a showerhead or hose. Thesemirigidity of backing 104 also allows for a user to better handle andrinse implement 100 after use by rubbing implement 100 between two handsunder running water; as implement 100 resists bunching and crumpling.

Backing 104 is comprised of multiple perforations 202. Perforations 202are located throughout the backing; adjacent to the strands.Perforations 202 are permeable; allowing air and water to pass throughbacking 104. More specifically, perforations 202 ensure backing 104 isnot watertight. Perforations 202 creating large gaps or openings inbacking 104 are not within the scope of the invention. For example,Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,565B2 (Harrison) incorporates linearopenings that are more likely to trap foreign matter such as a hair;which can entangle itself through and around the large openings in thebacking, resulting in a device that is difficult to rinse and reuse.Large perforations or openings also produce undesirable results when theinvention is used together with a liquid such as body wash. The liquidcan more easily drip or pass through the large openings in the backing;not allowing the user and the implement time to produce a lather;causing unwanted waste and negatively influencing the invention'sefficacy during a bathing application. Perforations 202 are less than orup to about 1 mm in diameter; and perforations are less than or up toabout 5 mm in diameter for alternate embodiments of the presentinvention. Perforations 202 aid implement 100 in producing a lather aswell as improve the implement's overall rinsing and drying traits. Whenthe invention takes the form of this particular embodiment, perforations202 further increase the usefulness of implement 100 by allowing anefficient amount of water and soap to pass through to the opposite sideof the surface being applied; enabling the user to more easily alternatebetween surfaces during use.

Backing 104 is constructed of a water resistant material as tosupplement the semirigidity, pliability and semiresilence of backing104. A water resistant material benefits backing 104 and alternateembodiments of the present invention by minimizing the change in measureof rigidity, pliability and resilience between a wet or dry application.The backing of the present invention may also be comprised of awaterproof material. A water resistant material also contributes to thebehavior of perforations 202; minimizing their fluctuation in size whenimplement 100 is exposed to liquids. A water resistant material furtherbenefits the present invention in relation to the thickness of backing104. A water resistant backing that satisfies the semirigidity,pliability and semiresilience requirements of the present invention canbe considerably thinner than a backing that is not water resistant. Athin backing minimizes the volume of perforations 202; which furtherimproves the overall ability of implement 100 to be rinsed and reused. Awater resistant material also improves the drying qualities of implement100.

Perimeter 106 and implement 100 are square in shape. Embodiments of thepresent invention can include rectangular, circular and other geometricshapes. Perimeter 106 has a nonabrasive surface. The present inventionexcludes a perimeter and shape that is abrasive or has a formconstructed with angles that may result in a device that is difficult torinse and reuse. The dimensions of backing 104, implement 100 andalternate embodiments of the present invention are restricted. Forexample, common bath towels; which measure approximately 30 inches by 60inches, are not within the scope of the invention. The size of a bathtowel contradicts an objective of the present invention; to be an easilyrinsed handheld implement. In addition, the dimensions of a bath towelcreate too much conflict regarding the balance of semirigidity,pliability and semiresilience to make it an effective and demonstrablehandheld cleaning implement within the scope of the invention, Prior artU.S. Pat. No. 8,678,044B2 (Rabin). The dimensions of the presentinvention are restricted to any combination of a backing and strandsthat measures a maximum length of about 15 inches and a minimum lengthof about 3 inches; a maximum width of about 15 inches and a minimumwidth of about 3 inches; and a maximum diameter of about 1 inch.

Spherical forms are also not within the scope of the invention, Priorart U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,534A (Gonda), due to lacking a flat surface.

The preferred dimensions of backing 104 are 5 inches by 5 inches with athickness of 1 mm.

FIG. 3, there is shown strand 102 of implement 100. Strand 102 consistsof a top end 302 and a bottom end 304. Bottom end 304 is connected to;or extends from, backing 104 and top end 302 is free and unattached.

A plurality of strand 102 comprises both the top surface 108 and thebottom surface 110 of implement 100. Alternate embodiments may includean implement whose perimeter is surfaced with strands. The presentinvention does not demand any of the surfaces comprising said inventionbe identical. Embodiments may include implements whose surfaces are notidentical. For example, embodiments of the present invention may includea device where only one of the main surfaces is comprised with strands;or a device where any number of surfaces is comprised with an unequalnumber of strands; and where any of the aforementioned surfaces iscomprised of strands that are unequal in measurements and spaced atvarious unequal distances from each other.

Strand 102 is mostly linear; more specifically, not a strand that has aform consisting of bend(s) and or twist(s) that may trap foreign matterFIG. 7. Top end 302 is vertical or vertically aligned to bottom end 304;as to exclude a strand that is horizontally aligned to backing 104;which may create an area between strand 102 and backing 104 that isdifficult to rinse, Prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 9,267,232B2 (Gilman).

Strand 102 is constructed to be a single solid strand and morespecifically not an open looped strand. Open looped refers to a strandthat consists of an opening or openings. This includes a strand that mayhave multiple origins from a backing; then those origins loop, connect,mesh, intertwine or cross with each other to form a strand that is notsolid; that has a surface made up of openings and slots; similar to anet or a tree and its branches. Such a strand is not within the scope ofthe invention FIG. 8. Its form creates a surface that clings to skin,dirt, soil, hairs and is difficult to rinse and reuse.

Strand 102 is constructed to have an overall smooth surface; notconsisting of projections or indentations that create a ridged or ribbedsurface that is clingy and traps foreign matter; that is difficult torinse. It is known or obvious to a person skilled in the art that thisdoes not require the strand of the present invention to maintain anequal measure in diameter throughout the length of the strand. Forexample, alternate strands may have a top end that is larger than thebottom end, a bottom end that is larger than the top end, a middleportion that is larger than the top and bottom end, a middle portionthat is smaller than the bottom and top end; or any similar combinationof the above FIG. 9. The present invention may comprise a strand that ismicrotextured. An overall smooth solid strand reinforces an objective ofthe invention; to provide an implement that is easier to rinse andreuse.

The perimeter created by the diameters of strand 102 forms a circularshape. Alternate embodiments of the present invention may comprise astrand whose perimeter is rectangular, oval or made up of any number ofangles.

Generally, the top end of the strand is mostly rounded. Alternateembodiments of the present invention may comprise a strand with anonabrasive top end that is not rounded. For example, the top end of thestrand may form a perceptible concave shape. The top end of the presentinvention's strand may also be slightly frayed or fringed; to a degreethat remains within the overall scope of the invention and does notresult in an implement with poor reusability characteristics.

Strand 102 is soft, pliable and semiresilient; as to provide a gentlenonabrasive effect during application; comparable to men's syntheticshaving brushes or synthetic cosmetic brushes. A pliable strand alsominimizes or eliminates the probability of foreign matter; such as hair,to wrap around and entangle itself on the strands. The described strandis effectively pliable; to support the already mentioned examples of howimplement 100 can be rinsed and reused; with water sprayed from a nozzleor by rubbing implement 100 between two hands under running water.Strand 102 further improves the lathering qualities of implement 100; anobjective of the present invention, allowing the intended user tocomfortably produce a lather during a showering or bathing application.

It is an objective for the strand of the present invention not tocapture or cling to dirt, soil, skin and hairs. Prior art, U.S. Pat. No.6,085,380 (Gonda), U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,211B2 (Lindblad), U.S. Pat. No.6,305,431B1 (Fenkes), U.S. Pat. No. 8,156,967B2 (Huffstickler), areexamples of inventions that are contrary to the spirit of the presentinvention; containing elements that amplify the ability to cling toforeign matter.

The strand of the present invention is restricted to a length equal toor less than about 1 inch and a diameter equal to or less than about 1inch. Strands are sufficiently numbered and arranged to form aneffective and useful surface within the scope of the invention. Strandscannot be spaced more than about 1 inch from one another on any surfaceof the backing comprised of strands. Embodiments can apply the strandspacing measurement restriction to a single various sized area locatedon a surface of the backing or multiple variously sized areas positionedseparately from one another within the boundaries of a particularsurface of the backing.

The backing of the present invention; as described, allows a personskilled in the pertinent art to make various changes to the length,diameter, top end and spacing of the strand; while remaining within thespirit of the invention.

It is preferred strand 102 is a cylindrical monofilament with anuncompressed length of 5 mm, a continuous uncompressed diameter of 1 mmand a rounded top end; spaced at 16 strands per square inch.

FIG. 1, is shown tether 112 attached to implement 100. Tether 112improves the handling characteristics of implement 100 and provides amethod to hang the implement. Alternate embodiments of the presentinvention may also include a means to adjust the size of the tether'sloop opening; or exclude a tether altogether.

Embodiments of the present invention may also include a means thatextends from; or is connected to, one or more points of the implementwhich would allow for other alternative methods to handle the deviceduring use. For example, the means may; or may not, form one or moreopenings that enable the user to secure the implement to one's hand orfinger(s); or backings and handles of various size. It is preferred themeans is formed above a main surface of the device not comprised ofstrands or incorporated in a way that avoids creating an area betweenthe means, backing and strands that may trap foreign matter (Gilman).Embodiments may also be comprised to include a second separate meansthat can adjust the size of the opening(s) created by the first means inorder to further secure or fasten the implement.

FIG. 6, there is shown an alternate embodiment of the present invention;indicated as implement 600, which incorporates lining 502 wrapped aroundperimeter 106. Lining 502 is provided as a means to resolve issues orconcerns that may be contrary to the spirit of the invention; arisingfrom a certain method of construction and assembly of implement 600 oralternate embodiments of the present invention. For example, lining 502may serve as a means to secure the edges or ends of two individualbackings that are connected together to form a single backing; or smooththe abrasive edges of a single backing that is formed by two backingsthat are secured together. Lining 502 can also serve to smooth theabrasive edges of a molded backing; or smooth a perimeter that may beabrasive due to the method in which the backing is cut from a largerpiece of material. The present invention does not limit lining 502 to aspecific application. It is preferred that lining 502 maintains the flatsurface of the backing as described and remains within the overall scopeof the invention.

There are a variety of materials that may fulfill the requirements ofthe present invention. For example, the backing may be comprised ofcommon polymers such as polyethylene or polypropylene; while the strandsand lining may be comprised of a synthetic material such as nylon. Theinvention does not limit any element or component to a specificmaterial. It is preferred the material chosen is hypoallergenic; hastolerances which allow it to be exposed to household soaps, detergentsand bleach; machine washable; and machine dryable. The providing ofexample materials is intended to serve as an aid to better understandand grasp the scope of the invention; not limit the present invention toany one specific material.

The scope of the present invention also contemplates the option ofincorporating material coatings and or finishes in certain embodimentsas to further enhance their efficacy.

It is understood that the various methods to assemble the componentscomprising the present invention are a routine detail and the essence ofthe invention has been described so that any person in the relevantfield can fabricate said invention without extensive experimentation.

While the described invention originated from addressing problemsassociated with handheld implements intended for showering and bathingit is understood this does not limit the invention to a specificapplication. The aforementioned description contemplates any alternativeuse that may benefit from the present invention; such as a dusting andor wiping application. It is also obvious that while embodiments of thepresent invention have been illustrated and described it is apparent tothose skilled in the art various changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention; and it is intended all suchcompliant modifications are contained within the specification and theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reusable handheld implement comprised of: asingle backing, multiple strands and a perimeter; (A) the backing ismostly flat and made of a water resistant or waterproof material; thementioned backing is perforated, allowing the backing to be permeable;and where the backing has a thickness that minimizes the volume of saidperforations; and, (1) the backing is pliable, (2) perforations arelocated throughout the backing, (B) the strands are soft and not openedlooped; the mentioned strands have an overall smooth surface; thestrands are connected to or extend from the backing in a manner thatallows each strand to have a top end that is vertical or verticallyaligned to its bottom end; and, (1) the strands are pliable, (2) thelength of each individual strand is not greater than about 1 inch, (3)the diameter of each individual strand is not greater than about 1 inch,(4) the strands are not spaced more than about 1 inch apart on anysurface of the backing comprised of said strands.
 2. The reusablehandheld implement of claim 1, wherein the backing is semirigid.
 3. Thereusable handheld implement of claim 1, wherein the backing issemiresilient.
 4. The reusable handheld implement of claim 1, whereinthe perforations are adjacent to the strands.
 5. The reusable handheldimplement of claim 1, wherein the strands are solid.
 6. The reusablehandheld implement of claim 1, wherein the strands are mostly linear. 7.The reusable handheld implement of claim 1, wherein the strands aresemiresilient.
 8. The reusable handheld implement of claim 1, whereinthe perimeter is nonabrasive.
 9. The reusable handheld implement ofclaim 1, wherein the length of the implement is not greater than about15 inches and not less than about 3 inches.
 10. The reusable handheldimplement of claim 1, wherein the width of the implement is not greaterthan about 15 inches and not less than about 3 inches.
 11. The reusablehandheld implement of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the implement isnot greater than about 1 inch.
 12. The reusable handheld implement ofclaim 1, may further comprise a tether attached to the implement. 13.The reusable handheld implement of claim 1, may further comprise alining attached to the implement.
 14. The reusable handheld implement ofclaim 1, may further comprises a means extending from; or connected to,one or more points of the implement allowing for alternate methods tohandle and use the implement.
 15. A reusable handheld implementcomprised of: a single backing, multiple strands, and a perimeter; (A)the backing is mostly flat and made of a water resistant or waterproofmaterial; the mentioned backing is perforated, allowing the backing tobe permeable; and where the backing has a thickness that minimizes thevolume of said perforations; and, (1) the backing is semirigid, pliableand semiresilient, (2) perforations are located throughout the backing,(3) perforations are adjacent to the strands, (B) the strands are soft,solid, mostly linear and not open looped; the mentioned strands have anoverall smooth surface; the strands are connected to or extend from thebacking in a manner that allows each strand to have a top end that isvertical or vertically aligned to its bottom end; and, (1) the strandsare pliable and semiresilient, (2) the length of each individual strandis not greater than about 1 inch, (3) the diameter of each individualstrand is not greater than about 1 inch, (4) the strands are not spacedmore than about 1 inch apart on any surface of the backing comprised ofsaid strands, (C) the perimeter is nonabrasive, (D) the length of theimplement is not greater than about 15 inches and not less than about 3inches, (E) the width of the implement is not greater than about 15inches and not less than about 3 inches, (F) the diameter of theimplement is not greater than about 1 inch.
 16. The reusable handheldimplement of claim 15, may further comprise a tether attached to theimplement.
 17. The reusable handheld implement of claim 15, may furthercomprise a lining attached to the implement.
 18. The reusable handheldimplement of claim 15, may further comprise a means extending from; orconnected to, one or more points of the implement allowing for alternatemethods to handle and use the implement.